Minutes 2013

Minutes of November Monthly Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday 4th November 2013


MEMBERS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Baker,
  • Councillor Barry,
  • Councillor Bree,
  • Councillor D. Cawley,
  • Councillor V. Cawley,
  • Councillor Clarke,
  • Councillor Collery,
  • Councillor Fleming,
  • Councillor Gormley,
  • Councillor Keaney,
  • Councillor Leonard,
  • Councillor Lundy,
  • Councillor Lyons,
  • Councillor MacManus,
  • Councillor McGrath,
  • Councillor Mullaney,
  • Councillor Mulvey,
  • Councillor O’Grady,
  • Councillor Queenan.

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Ms D. Clarke, A/County Manager
  • Mr T. Kilfeather, Director of Services
  • Ms M. Leydon, Head of Finance
  • Mr J. Moran, A/Director of Services
  • Mr J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr T. Brennan, Senior Engineer
  • Mr F. O’Driscoll, A/Senior Engineer
  • Mr S. O’Toole. Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr P. Doyle, Project Engineer
  • Ms S. Gillen, A/Waste Management Enforcement Officer
  • Mr P. Murtagh, Waste Management Enforcement Officer
  • Mr M. Byrne, Waste Management Enforcement Officer
  • Mr F. MacNabb, Meetings Administrator Ms M. McGovern, Clerical Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

  • The Cathaoirleach, Councillor P. McGrath presided.

 

APOLOGIES:

  • Councillor A. McLoughlin

 

On behalf of the Council the Cathaoirleach Councillor P. McGrath extended congratulations to Sligo Rovers Football Club on their win in the FAI Ford Cup Final the previous day. He commended the club on their recent successes and their role in the wider Sligo community.

The Cathaoirleach also extended compliments to the Sligo girls who played for Castlebar Celtic in the FAI Women’s Senior Cup Final.

The members asked to be associated with the Cathaoirleach’s remarks and the Acting County Manager, Ms Clarke also extended the congratulations of the staff of Sligo County Council.

 

1.  MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 7TH OCTOBER, 2013:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Ordinary October Meeting held on 7th October, 2013.”

 

2.  MINUTES OF CPG MEETING HELD ON 2ND SEPTEMBER, 2013:

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Sligo County Council Corporate Policy Group Meeting held on 2nd September, 2013.”

 

3.  MINUTES OF BALLYMOTE MEETING HELD ON 18TH JUNE, 2013:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Ballymote Area Meeting held on 18th June, 2013.”

 

4.  MINUTES OF BALLYMOTE MEETING HELD ON 13TH JUNE, 2013:

Proposed by Councillor T. Collery
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Ballymote Area Meeting held on 13th June, 2013.”

Mr T. Kilfeather, Director of Services indicated to the members that a revised report dealing with queries from Councillor V. Cawley and Councillor Bree had been circulated and clarified to the meeting that the transaction highlighted by Councillor Cawley had been initiated nearly 20 years ago.

 

5.  SECTION 183 – LANDS AT PIRNMILL ROAD TO DP SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor M. Lyons
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001 the exchange of Sligo County Council lands at Pirnmill Road to DP Sligo Limited.”

Councillor Bree asked to be recorded as Abstaining from this resolution.

 

6.  SECTION 183 – DWELLING AT TULLY, CALRY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Lyons
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the LocalGovernment Act 2001, the disposal of a demountable dwelling at Tully, Calry, Co. Sligo to John and Noreen Malone.”

 

7.  SECTION 183 – LANDS AT HUMBERT STREET, TUBBERCURRY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“To approve the disposal of land at Humbert Street, Tubbercurry, Co Sligo to Mr Joe and Eileen Brennan which shall be carried out in accordance with the terms of the notice dated 4th November 2013 under Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001.”

 

8.  WASTE MANAGEMENT BYE-LAWS:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“To adopt the draft ‘Sligo County Council Waste Management Bye-Laws 2013’.”

 

9.  TAKING IN CHARGE BROOKFIELD CLOSE, CLIFFONEY:

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council commence the process of taking in charge the development known as ‘Brookfield Close’ at Cliffoney, Co. Sligo by instigating the necessary procedures under Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 to declare public the road serving the development.”

 

10.  WINTER SERVICE PLAN:

Proposed by Councillor T. Collery
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“To note the 2013/2014 Sligo County Council Winter Service Plan.”

The Cathaoirleach proposed a date of 17th December.

Following a discussion and having been advised by the A/County Manager, Ms Clarke that the new County Manager will not be in position until the 6th January, 2014 it was;

 

11.  DATE FOR BUDGET MEETING:

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

“To hold the Annual Budget Meeting on the 17th December, 2013.”

An amendment was then;

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

“To hold the Annual Budget Meeting on the 7th January, 2014.”

As agreement could not be reached the Cathaoirleach called for a vote on the amended resolution.

For: Barry, Bree, Gormley and Queenan.

Against: D. Cawley, V. Cawley, Collery, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, Lundy, Lyons, McGrath, Mullaney and O’Grady.

Abstain: Clarke & MacManus.

As the result was 4 For, 11 Against and 2 Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

Therefore it was agreed that the 2014 Budget meeting would be held on Tuesday 17th December, 2013 at 10.00am.

 

12.  APPOINTMENT OF COUNTY MANAGER:

In response to queries from the members the A/County Manager, Ms D. Clarke clarified that the interview process for the CountyManager was carried out by the Commission for Public Service Appointments.

Following further discussion by the members it was;

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“Pursuant to Section 145(1)(a) of the Local Government Act 2001, Mr Ciarán Hayes, 19 Tudor Vale, Oranmore, Co. Galway is hereby appointed to the office of Sligo County Manager in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 2001. The appointment to take effect from 6th January, 2014.”

Councillors MacManus, Bree and Clarke asked to be recorded as abstaining from this resolution, not on a personality basis but on the process of appointment.

 

13.  ST. ANGELA’S & NUI GALWAY:

With the agreement of the meeting the item was deferred.

 

14.  REFUSE COLLECTION IN BALLISODARE:

With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.

 

15.  WOODBROOK HEIGHTS, BALLISODARE:

With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.

 

16.  TAKE IN CHARGE 100M ROAD IN BALLYGAWLEY:

Proposed by Councillor T. Collery
Seconded by Councillor M. Lyons

“I, Councillor Thomas Collery would like to ask Sligo County Council to take charge of 100 meters of road leading from house No. 1 to No. 4, known as the Old Collooney Road, Ballygawley, Co. Sligo.”

In response Mr S. O’Toole. Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;

It is not proposed to take this private road in charge at this time.

 

17.  BEREAVEMENT GRANT:

With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.

 

18.  COMMUNITY CARE SERVICES:

With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.

 

19.  CLIFF ROAD, ENNISCRONE:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

“To ask the Director of Services for Roads to look at possibility of making a section of Cliff Road, Enniscrone one-way.” 

In response Mr S. O’Toole. Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;

The possibility of introducing a one-way system at Cliff Road, Enniscrone can be looked at by our Design Department. No funding exists for its implementation however.

 

20.  ILLEGAL PARKING ON ROAD 79, EASKEY:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

“To ask the Director of Services to commence the process of making by-laws to prevent illegal parking of vehicles along Road 79 at Bunina, Easkey.”

In response Mr S. O’Toole. Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;

It is proposed to explore measures that will prevent the unwanted parking of vehicles along County Road 79.

 

21.  GP CARE FOR UNDER 5:

With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.

 

It was agreed to take Items 22 and 27 together.

 

22.  BUDGET CUTS:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council opposes many of the cutbacks in the recent Fine Gael/Labour budget which includes such negative measures as cuts to Maternity Benefit, the scrapping of the Bereavement Grant, the slashing of Jobseekers Benefit for under 25’s and further threats to medical cards for those over 70.

In particular this Council rejects the removal of the Telephone Allowance for the elderly and we now call on the Coalition Government to reinstate fully this important aid for our older citizens, especially those living alone.”

 

27.  TELEPHONE ALLOWANCE:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the Government to reverse the decision to have the telephone allowance withdrawn from recipients.”

 

23.  SENIOR ALERT UNIT, TUBBERCURRY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“That this Council expresses it disappointment at the recent transfer of the Senior Alert Unit from the Government Offices in Tubbercurry to the Custom House, Dublin and the further reductions in staff numbers calls on the Minister for Small Business John Perry, and Deputy Tony McLoughlin to intervene immediately and have this decision reversed and to get a commitment that there will be no further transfers also that another department will be provided in the state of the art building.”

Councillor Gormley asks, with the agreement of the meeting to include a letter to the Taoiseach regarding this resolution. The meeting agreed to this request.

 

24.  DUMPING AT CLOONACLEIGH LAKE:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

“Due to the ongoing dumping that is taking place at Cloonacleigh Lake and Cooncoose bog I am requesting that Sligo County Council have cameras erected to deter further dumping.”

In response Mr F. O’Driscoll, A/Senior Engineer stated the following;

The Environment Section is well aware of the ongoing problems with dumping in these areas. The erection of permanent cameras is not viable in these locations, but we are currently in the process of obtaining new modern surveillance cameras for use in such scenarios. It is our intention to deploy them in the coming months, in the areas outlined, as well as other locations.

Mr O’Driscoll added that it is hoped that the Waste Bye-Laws passed earlier in the meeting would help with the enforcement of anti-litter laws.

 

25.  ROAD 401 TOURLESTRANE:

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

“I will ask that the speed limit on Road 401, Tourlestrane be extended  past the GAA Football pitch and Banada National School on the east side of the village, in the interest of public safety.”

In response Mr S. O’Toole. Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;

This proposal can be examined in due course when speed limits are again being reviewed.

 

26.  CASTLEROCK NS POLLING STATION:

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

“Castlerock National School Polling Station was transferred to Cloonacool Community Centre for the referendum of 10th November, 2012. I will ask that Castlerock NS be used again as a Polling Station for the Local and European elections to be held in May of next year (2014).”

The meeting agreed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Returning Officer for County Sligo.

 

28.  LITTER WARDEN POST:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“That a report be provided to the Council indicating

  1. when interviews for the post of Litter Warden will take place and
  2. when is it expected that a Litter Warden will be appointed.”

A/County Manager Ms Clarke advised the meeting that a report would be circulated to the members in due course.

 

29.  BUDGET CUTS:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council expresses its dismay at the cut backs being imposed by the Government through the recent Budget, including the decision to

  1. increase prescription charges for medical card holders;
  2. abolish the Telephone Allowance for the elderly;
  3. abolish the Bereavement Grant;
  4. reduce the Jobseekers Allowance for young citizens; and further the Council resolves to call on the government to reverse the cut backs.”

 

30.  COASTAL EROSION IN STRANDHILL:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“That the Council seeks grant aid from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to finance protection measures and manage coastal erosion which is occurring on the coastline North West of the Sewage Treatment Plant at Strandhill.”

Members from the Strandhill Area complimented Sligo County Council staff on coastal protection works carried out in Strandhill to date.

 

31.  PLANNING FOR UNIT 14, CARRAROE:

With the agreement of the meeting Councillor Collery withdrew this motion.

 

32.  FOOTPATHS IN COLLOONEY AND BALLINTOGHER:

Proposed by Councillor T. Collery
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

“I, Councillor Thomas Collery would like to ask Sligo County Council to seek funding for the repair of foot paths from Collooney going towards Ballisodare on the Old Dublin Road and also for Ballintogher going towards the Dromahair Road.”

In response Mr S. O’Toole. Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;

No funding exists for extensive footpath replacement at these locations due to the difficult financial situation and due to the discontinuance of the Discretionary Improvement Grant

 

33.  REPORT ON OPERATION OF THE MODEL:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

“To ask the County Manager for a full and comprehensive report on all aspects of the running of the The Model, The Mall, Sligo. (Formerly the Model Arts Centre, formerly the Niland Gallery). Such report to contain an up to date overview of the current financial situation of The Model, its operating costs and future economic projections. Also required is a full account of all monies - or grants/services in lieu, benefit in kind or donations - invested by both Sligo County Council and Sligo Borough Council in The Model or its predecessors since 1998.”

Councillor Leonard asked to speak on this motion as a representative on the Board of Directors of The Model. Councillor Leonard advised the meeting that the accounts for The Model are a matter of public record and are available for inspection at any time.

A/County Manager Ms Clarke stated that The Model is an independent company with its own Board of Directors but this Council can request an up to date copy of the accounts. Ms Clarke also indicated that a detailed report had been provided to the members in February of this year and that this could be re-circulated to the members.

Councillor MacManus requested a more comprehensive report reflecting donations and benefits in kind to The Model.

Ms Clarke indicated that she was unaware of any donations or benefits in kind to The Model but would make enquiries for the next meeting.

Councillor MacManus asked that the item, particularly in relation to the second half of the motion, be placed on the agenda for the December meeting. This was agreed by the meeting.

 

34.  UNIVERSITY SEATS IN SEANAD ÉIREANN:

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council supports Graduates Equality campaign for the extension of the franchise for the six University seats in Seanad Éireann to graduates of all Institutes of Technology.”

Councillors D. Cawley and MacManus asked to be recorded as dissenting from this resolution.

 

35.  BROADBAND QUALITY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“To request the Minister for Communications to direct Eircom to provide universal Broadband quality in all locations of Co Sligo.” 

 

36.  FLEADH CHEOIL:

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

“To propose that Sligo County Council provide a financial allocation for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in the Estimates 2014.”

A/County Manager, Ms Clarke stated that the Council was very aware of the efforts to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Sligo in 2014 and that it is the intention of the executive to include a figure in the 2014 Budget for same.

 

37.  LITTER WARDEN POST:

With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.

 

38.  SIGHT LINES ON L-6801:

With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.

 

39.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Eunice McGee and family on the death of Dean Stuart McGee.”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Pat and Sarah Brady on the death of their grandson, Conor Brady.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Peter and Maureen Brady on the death of their son, Conor Brady.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Donal and Shaunagh Brady on the death of their brother, Conor Brady.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Ivan McGee on the death of his brother, Dean McGee.”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Pat ward on the death of his mother, Eileen Ward.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Pauline Mullen on the death of her husband, Vinnie Mullen.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Martin Doddy on the death of his mother, Kathleen Doddy.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Kieran McIntyre on the death of his mother, Ann McIntyre.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Maureen Keenan on the death of her brother, Vinnie Mullen.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary O’Hara on the death of her husband, Padraig O’Hara.”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Margaret O’Donnell on the death of her husband, Pat O’Donnell.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Janie Davey on the death of her husband, Martin Davey.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to John McIntyre on the death of his mother, Ann McIntyre.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Veronica O’Donnell on the death of her father, Austin Walsh.”

 

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary O’Hara on the death of her husband, Padraic O’Hara.”

 

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Pauline Mullen on the death of her husband, Vinnie Mullen.”

 

40.  VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to the Sligo members of Castlebar Celtic; Sarah McGeough, Yvonne Hedigan, Nicole Fowley, Stacey Muldowney, Niamh Kerins, Emma Hansberry, and Megan Duffy, on their outstanding achievement of reaching the FAI Women’s Senior Cup Final with Castlebar Celtic.”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Cara Tighe on being the mascot for Castlebar Celtic at the FAI Women’s Senior Cup Final in the Aviva Stadium.”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Lough Arrow TOW Youth 6-a-side Team on being the 2013 All Ireland Youth Champions.”

 

41.  CONFERENCES:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“That the following members attend the ‘A Practical Guide to Budget 2014’ ; ‘ICBAN Regional Strategic Framework’ launch and ‘Early Education and Childcare in your Community’ conferences – Councillors Gerard Mullaney and Hubert Keaney.”

 

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“That the following member attend the ‘Demystifying the Cloud – From Hype to Reality’ conference in the RDS, Dublin on 5-6th November, 2013 – Councillor Jerry Lundy.”

 

42.  CORRESPONDENCE:

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“To note the correspondence circulated with the agenda.”

Councillor Bree raised an issue with correspondence from ICBAN which was circulated at the meeting regarding monies owed by Sligo County Council. Following a discussion it was;

 

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“That the correspondence from ICBAN dated 30th October, 2013 be placed as an Agenda Item on the December agenda.”

 

43.  MATTERS ARISING:

There were no matters arising from minutes

 

44.  AOB:

None

 

END OF MEETING:

The meeting ended at 1.50pm

 

 

 

  


Meeting Date 04/11/2013